Interactive Ready for Review: Interactivities

Your job as an EMT-I will focus on assessments of the scene and the patient and providing appropriate care and transportation based on these findings.

The care that you provide is only as good as the assessment you perform.

Gathering an accurate history is crucial to decision making.

Complete a thorough physical exam if the patient's status will allow and using this information along with the history, formulate a strategy of care based on your .

Do not let tunnel vision or attitude cloud your assessment.

Assessment and management should be choreographed in advance to reduce chaos on scene. Establish a game plan for a team leader and patient care personnel.

Make sure you have the right equipment at the patient's side to prevent the need for multiple trips to the ambulance, which could waste valuable time in an emergency situation.

Your approach to the patient should be professional in appearance. This helps to instill confidence in the patient and family members present. Gather an accurate history and carefully and frequently takes notes to avoid repetitive questioning.

The patient's status should dictate your order of care. For a patient in critical condition, care should be interspersed with assessment; for a patient who is not in critical condition, a history and assessment can be obtained prior to treatment.

Experience is the key to being able to multitask. This allows you to talk with the patient while performing other procedures such as taking vital signs or starting an IV.

Effective presentation and communications skills are essential to establishing trust and credibility. A good assessment and a good presentation go hand in hand.

Review and practice assessment and treatment of common complaints to gain proficiency.